East African Journal of Environment and Natural Resources

Influence of Education Levels on Land Conservation Initiatives in Wajir West Sub-County, Kenya

Abdirashid Jimale Salat — 2025-09-12

Education plays a pivotal role in shaping environmental awareness and influencing participation in land conservation initiatives. The general objective of this study was to examine the influence of education levels on land conservation efforts in Wajir West Sub-County, Kenya. Specifically, the study aimed to assess how varying education levels affect participation in land conservation initiatives within the four electoral wards of Wajir West sub-county: Arbajahan, Hadado/Athibohol, Ganyure/Wagala, and Adamasajida. A mixed-methods research design was employed, with data collected from a sample of 386 households selected from a target population of 10,630 households of agricultural and livestock keepers according to the 2019 census. Data were gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire and an interview guide. The findings revealed that higher education levels were associated with greater awareness of conservation practices and more active participation in conservation programs. Notably, 87% of individuals with higher education levels demonstrated a better understanding of conservation, and 84% felt that education facilitated knowledge transfer, helping to spread conservation information within their communities. Further analysis revealed that 81% of respondents with higher education were more likely to volunteer for leadership roles in conservation groups, while 83% noted that education promoted compliance with conservation policies. 82% of respondents stated that education helped overcome participation barriers faced by less-educated populations. Additionally, 75% reported gaining practical knowledge on soil conservation techniques through educational training programs. In the multi-group analysis using β coefficients, the study found varying levels of influence across different wards. The β coefficients from the analysis indicated that education had the most significant positive impact in Hadado/Athibohol, followed by Adamasajida, showing a clear trend that higher education correlated with greater involvement in land conservation efforts in these wards. The study concluded that enhancing community education is crucial for fostering more meaningful and widespread participation in land conservation initiatives. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the government and NGOs invest in improving education levels and implement structured empowerment programs that specifically address land conservation practices.

Socioeconomic Impact of Solar Energy Adoption on Pastoral Communities in Wajir West Sub-County, Kenya

Jimale Mohamed Ibrahim — 2025-09-16

Solar energy offers a transformative solution for rural, arid, and semi-arid regions, particularly in underdeveloped areas where conventional energy is scarce and solar energy remains the main energy source adopted by the pastoral communities. This study measured the socio-economic implications of using solar power among pastoral people in Wajir West Sub-County, Kenya. The study used a mixed-methods design to sample 218 respondents, who were household heads, local leaders, and energy service providers. The quantitative data were analysed using SPSS, while the qualitative data were analysed thematically. The results show that half of households owned solar systems, which are mainly used to provide lighting and charge phones, and 24% use common systems. The result further indicates that adoption of solar has increased income (66%), lowered energy expenses (78%), improved the education of children (51%), hygiene, health, and helped in the sustenance of the environment. Regardless of these advantages, the adoption is hampered by high initial costs, inaccessibility of maintenance, low technical capabilities, and cultural issues pertaining to nomadic living. The recommendations involve increasing the scope of financing sources, technical education, and enabling policies in order to increase accessibility and sustainability. Research in the future must focus on issues surrounding the role of policy frameworks in affecting solar adoption in pastoral regions to facilitate equitable and scalable rural electrification

Mapping Landslide Susceptibility Areas and Influencing Factors in Ngororero District, Rwanda

Sarah Irakoze — 2025-09-17

This research focuses on mapping landslide susceptibility areas and influencing factors in the Ngororero District of Rwanda, where landslides are a major threat to both lives and property. This region, characterised by steep terrain and heavy rainfall, faces significant risks from landslides, leading to soil erosion and community disruption. To identify areas at risk of landslides, the researcher analysed various factors influencing landslide occurrences, such as rainfall, slope, elevation, curvature, distance to river and to roads, aspect, land use and land cover, topographic wetness index (TWI) and soil texture. By combining primary data, which was gathered through field surveys and observations, and secondary data utilised, including Landsat imagery, high-resolution DEM data downloaded from the USGS website, where DEM data were used for analysing slope, elevation, aspect, curvature, topographic wetness index, and proximity to river and Landsat imagery for analysing LULC. Climatic data collected from the Rwanda Meteorology Agency was used for generating the spatial distribution of rainfall, and soil data from the Ngororero district office for generating soil texture resulted in an accurate map of the landslide susceptibility area. To effectively prioritise these factors, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), alongside Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools and remote sensing, was employed. The results revealed that 8.7% of the area is classified as very high susceptibility to landslides, 18.1% as high, 40.4% as medium, 20% as low and 12% as very low susceptibility. This mapping helps clarify which regions are most at risk, emphasising areas where authorities and communities need to focus their land use planning and risk mitigation efforts. To improve safety and reduce landslide risks, the researcher recommends that local authorities adopt stringent planning and policies to manage human activities and settlement patterns in landslide-prone areas. This proactive approach could help stabilise slopes and minimise the detrimental impacts of future landslides on communities.

Anthropogenic Disturbances on Plant Species Foraged by Stinging Honey Bees, Apis mellifera L., within Vegetation Types of Kipembawe Bee Reserve, Tanzania

Canisius John Kayombo — 2025-09-17

This publication focuses on the investigation of anthropogenic disturbances on plant species foraged by the stinging honey bee, Apis mellifera L., within vegetation types of Kipembawe Bee Reserve in Chunya District, Tanzania. A total of 67 concentric circular plots with a radius of 15 m were established at an interval of 1500 m. Within those plots, at a radius of 1 m, herbaceous plants were recorded for their botanical names. At 2 m, all shrubs were recorded, and at a radius of 15 m, all trees were recorded. Honey forage species were recorded through observation of honey bee movement and indigenous knowledge. Anthropogenic activities were recorded and assigned a score of the level of damage cover [1, 2, 3, 4, AND 5] within the plots. The score meant 1 = no disturbance; 2 = low disturbance; 3 =neutral/between low and high disturbance; 4 = very high disturbance, and 5 = extremely high. Key informants were consulted to collect the native’s knowledge. A total of 245 plant species were recorded, and of all those, the foraged plant species were 227, totalling 92.65%, while 17 of them (6.95%) were not known to be foraged. The nectar and pollen were collected from 164 plant species, which was equivalent to 66.9%, pollen (56) equivalent to 22.86%, and nectar (1) totalling 0.41%. The recorded anthropogenic disturbances of stinging honey bee foraged plant species were debarking, illegal settlement establishment, illegal cultivation (farming), and livestock grazing. Mean score of 3 implied high chances of falling into either low or high, depending on the natural resources management strategies in the future. Regular conservation education and awareness to the local community are needed, regular patrols, employees’ commitment, and an adequate budget for patrols play a vital role.

Assessing the Urban Expansion Level and Its Impact on Forest Cover Loss in Rwanda: A Case of Masaka Sector, Rwanda (2000 - 2024)

Jean de Dieu Dufatanye — 2025-09-18

Urban expansion is a key driver of environmental change, often contributing to deforestation. This study aims to assess the extent of urban expansion and its impact on forest cover loss in the Masaka Sector of Rwanda (2000 - 2024). Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques, multi-temporal satellite images (2000, 2014, and 2024) were analysed to quantify land use and land cover (LULC) changes over the study period. The results indicate a significant increase in urbanised areas, accompanied by a notable decline in forest cover. Masaka sector experienced a dramatic 870.37% increase in urban areas, coinciding with a significant 79.74 % decline in forestland. Statistical analysis revealed a strong inverse correlation, indicating that urban expansion is a primary driver of deforestation in Masaka, as land is converted from forest to urban use, highlighting the pressures of population growth, infrastructure development, and land use policies on forest resources. The substantial loss of forest cover has profound implications for biodiversity, ecosystem services, and environmental sustainability. The findings highlight the urgent need for integrated land management strategies that prioritise sustainable urban planning and forest conservation to mitigate the negative impacts of rapid urbanisation. The research provides critical data to support policymakers and urban planners in balancing development with ecological sustainability.

Assessing Factors Contributing to Solar Energy Adoption in the Rural Area of Rwamagana District, Rwanda

Mugambira Placide — 2025-09-19

The delayed and unequal uptake of solar energy in rural regions of Rwamagana district in the Eastern Province of Rwanda is a serious issue. Despite the region's great solar potential and government initiatives to encourage renewable energy adoption, many rural households continue to rely on traditional, non-renewable energy sources due to a variety of socioeconomic, infrastructure, and informational constraints. This research assessed the factors contributing to solar energy adoption in rural areas in Rwamagana District. The objectives are to evaluate the current status of solar energy use, identify key determinants of adoption, and analyze the contributions of various influencing factors. Data was gathered using a mixed-methods strategy that used quantitative and qualitative techniques. Structured questionnaires were used to survey a stratified sample of 400 households, and 10 stakeholders participated in semistructured interviews. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS, alongside thematic analysis for qualitative data.The results show that more than 50% of households in Rwamagana District adopted solar energy for domestic electrification, clean cooking, local businesses and agricultural purposes. Furthermore, the adoption of solar energy in Rwamagana District was influenced by a combination of socioeconomic, infrastructural, and policy-related factors at more than 70%. The research found a positive relationship between solar energy adoption and influencing factors such as governmental policies and incentives, public awareness, advancement of environmental concerns, availability of sunlight, ownership and social norms. The study suggests to enhance financing methods such as microloans and pay-as-you-go systems, to boost government incentives,to invest in training programs, and to put in place focused educational campaigns to increase awareness in order to promote the consumption of solar energy

Impact of Selected Anthropogenic Disturbances on the Variability of Riparian Vegetation in the River Kathita Basin, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

Denis Kibaara Mugambi — 2025-09-23

The human-induced disturbances along the fragile riparian ecosystems have significant ecological disruptions, such as loss of biodiversity and ecological services rendered by the riparian vegetation. This study investigated the impact of these selected anthropogenic disturbances, specifically sand harvesting, charcoal burning, and livestock drinking bays, on the variability of the riparian vegetation in the River Kathita basin, Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. The study employed purposive sampling to target disturbed sites, whereas simple random sampling was used for vegetation sampling within the sites that were targeted. Three non-disturbed sites were used as control sites and were randomly sampled along a 15KM transect. Sites affected by sand harvesting, charcoal burning, and livestock grazing exhibited lower species diversity (0≥H<1.5) while undisturbed sites maintained higher diversity (1.1>H ≤2). Although the Kruskal-Wallis test for tree diversity among the sites was not statistically significant (p=0.07), for tree species richness the test was (p = 0.047). Charcoal burning sites were characterised by large tree diameters at breast height (DBH) but lower tree heights. Sand harvesting and charcoal burning sites had high diversity of seedlings and saplings in abandoned sites, indicating the ability to recover and re-establishment of vegetation in the absence of disturbance and with protection. Livestock drinking bays showed a shift in vegetation composition from grasses and shrubs to dominance by forbs and herbaceous plants. There were strong correlations between sand harvesting, charcoal burning, livestock grazing, and tree diversity, which was significant for livestock grazing (p=0.01) and marginally insignificant for sand harvesting and charcoal burning (p=0.06). The study recommends that local and national stakeholders regulate sand harvesting, charcoal production in riparian areas, and develop strategies for managing livestock access to drinking bays. Future research should explore the combined effects of climate change, agriculture, and land-use policies on riparian habitat ecosystems.

A Phenomenological Study of Corporate Environmental Sustainability of Large Manufacturing Firms: A Developing Economy Perspective

Tonny Kiggundu — 2025-09-23

Existing environmental sustainability frameworks and standards take precedent in addressing environmental challenges. These have predominantly focused on firms in developed economies with a specific turnover, overlooking firms in developing economies with a very low turnover. In that case, Sustainable Development Goal 13 is hard to achieve in developing economies. This study uses inductive and qualitative approaches grounded in phenomenology. Semi-structured interviews with environmental managers yielded contextual insights that were analysed thematically to uncover emerging themes and patterns. Six major themes explaining corporate environmental sustainability in developing economies were identified: (1) Environmental Awareness; (2) Environmental Responsibility, (3) Environmental Ideation, (4) Environmental Initiatives, (5) Environmental Management Systems, and (6) Environmental Performance. Results build upon stakeholder theory and stewardship theory by introducing new perspectives on stakeholder awareness, idea seeking, environmental reporting, collaboration, and collective environmental responsibility. A comprehensive context-specific application reinforces environmental awareness, responsibility, ideation, initiatives like tree planting, waste segregation, water conservation, management systems, and performance can contribute to sustainability in manufacturing in a developing economy. The insights of this study not only enrich theory but also provide actionable guidance for policymakers and manufacturing leaders in developing economies seeking to balance environmental sustainability with limited resources

Smallholder Farmers’ Perception, Level of Awareness, And Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change in Tharaka South Sub-County, Kenya

Linus Mwenda — 2025-09-24

Climate change and variability bring negative impacts to agricultural productivity with direct consequences for poor rural communities in Kenya. The aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness, perception, and adaptation strategies to climate change amongst smallholder farmers in Tharaka South Sub-County. The research adopted a mixed-method approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Quantitative data was obtained from smallholder farmers through a structured questionnaire, while qualitative data were obtained through key informant interviews. A total of 100 households in three wards, namely: Chiakariga, Marimanti, and Nkondi in Tharaka South Sub-County, and 20 key informants in the three wards were targeted. The results showed that 97.9% were aware and had a climate change understanding, while only 2.1% had no understanding. The study findings indicate that climate change, which is indicated by changes in rainfall patterns and high temperatures, affects 83% of the farmers, who face challenges such as low crop yields 81.9%, crop failure 83%, increased pests and diseases 21.3%, drying up of water sources, and soil erosion 2.1%. The adaptation strategies included planting drought-resistant crops, diversifying crops 72.3%, water conservation methods such as rainwater harvesting 10.6%, use of organic or improved fertilisers 6.4%, and early and timely planting 6.4%. The adaptation strategies have, however, not been so effective due to the challenges faced in the area. There is a need for the government and NGOs to come up with various programs to help farmers adapt better to a sustainable future. These provisions will provide important insights into the effectiveness of the current adaptation strategies and inform the policy recommendations for enhancing climate resilience among the farmers

Impact of Improved Cooking Technologies on Socio-Economic and Environmental Sustainability of Rural Households: A Case Study of DELAGUA Health Rwanda, TUBEHO Neza Project (2020 -2024)

Singoma Ronald — 2025-09-29

This study evaluates the impact of improved clean cooking technologies on socio-economic and environmental sustainability in rural Nyagatare District, Rwanda. Despite national efforts, many rural households continue to rely on traditional biomass cooking methods, contributing to deforestation, indoor air pollution, and health risks. The research focuses on beneficiaries of the Tubeho Neza initiative, which promotes efficient cooking stoves, supported by the Ministry of Environment, NGOs, and social enterprises. Grounded in the theories of sustainability and change, the study assessed a sample of 367 households out of 4,458 beneficiaries. Data were gathered using mixed methods, including surveys conducted by community health workers, document reviews, interviews with 12 local leaders, three focus group discussions, and field observations. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlation and regression analyses, were used to analyse the data. Findings reveal substantial positive impacts: 81% of respondents noted reduced indoor air pollution, 79% reported decreased deforestation and respiratory issues, 77.6% experienced financial savings, and over 80% cited improved kitchen hygiene and more time for income-generating activities. The quality and affordability of cooking stoves accounted for 90.3% of the variance in sustainability outcomes, indicating a strong positive correlation between improved stove adoption and socio-environmental benefits. The study concludes that clean cooking technologies significantly enhance household well-being and environmental health. It recommends government and NGO support through awareness campaigns, improved stove design, financial incentives, and further research on long-term impacts to ensure sustainable adoption and development

Assessing the Contribution of Women's Activities to Environmental Conservation in Sectors Surrounding Nyungwe National Park, Nyamagabe District, Rwanda

Josephine Mukamusoni — 2025-10-08

This study, titled "Assessing contribution of women's activities to environmental conservation in sectors surrounding Nyungwe National Park, Nyamagabe district, Rwanda", discusses the criticality of women in enhancing green environmental associations. The motivation of this study has been informed by the fact that women are increasingly being accepted as important stakeholders in conservation, but their role is mostly undocumented, especially along the borders of the conservation areas, such as Nyungwe. The objectives of the study were to: determine which particular conservation activities women were engaged in, evaluate the level of their achievement, identify the areas in which they were not doing very well, and analyse the connection between their involvement and the environment. The mixed-methods design, including quantitative and qualitative information, was implemented. Using a population household size of 17,375 women, a sample size of 396 was drawn out of which 391 women took part in the survey, whereas 5 local leaders were involved in the interview. Data collection tools included structured questionnaires and interview guides, and analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23.0. Findings show that women are actively involved in reforestation, sustainable agriculture, and water management. These activities have contributed to improved forest cover, reduced deforestation, and enhanced biodiversity. Nevertheless, problems such as a lack of resources and cultural restrictions continue to exist despite the active position of women. Pearson correlation result indicated that there was a strong positive correlation (r = 0.712, p < 0.05) between the activities of women and positive conservation results, hence the important role of their participation. In conclusion, the sustainability of the environment can be encouraged by the fact that women have been empowered in terms of conservation. The research suggests that the government and other stakeholders should empower community-based conservation projects practised by women and commit more resources in the form of education, material, and participation in policy-making.

Comparative Analysis of the Acceptability of Bamboo and Wood Products and Their Utilisation in the Construction Industry

Kuntai Kool Isaac — 2025-10-09

Bamboo has emerged globally as a sustainable and versatile alternative to timber due to its strength, rapid growth, and wide range of applications. This study examined the acceptability of bamboo products compared to wood products in Narok North Sub-County, with a focus on construction, fuelwood, basketry, and furniture. The study objectives were to assess the economic potential of bamboo, compare levels of acceptability between bamboo and timber, and evaluate community perceptions of durability, affordability, and quality. A mixed-methods design was adopted, involving household questionnaires, interviews with environmental and forestry officers, focus group discussions, and photography. Quantitative data were analysed using percentages, chi-square tests, and descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were summarised thematically. Results revealed that while timber remains dominant for fuelwood (85.3%) and furniture (92.2%), bamboo was highly preferred for basketry (89.2%) and exhibited strong potential in construction, with 70.6% of respondents indicating willingness to adopt bamboo if raw materials were readily available. Chi-square tests indicated significant associations between current and potential uses of bamboo for fuelwood (χ²=18.242, p<0.001), furniture (χ²=11.461, p<0.01), and construction (χ²=3.913, p<0.05). However, no significant associations were found in basketry (χ²=1.193, p=0.275) or raw material availability (χ²=0.175, p=0.676). Respondents cited affordability, environmental sustainability, and durability as key drivers of acceptability, though timber was still perceived as higher quality where modern bamboo processing and value-addition technologies were lacking. The findings demonstrate that bamboo holds significant promise as an alternative to timber, particularly in construction and basketry, but barriers such as weak supply chains, lack of treatment standards, and limited awareness constrain its adoption. With policy support, value-addition technologies, and community sensitisation, bamboo could play a transformative role in reducing deforestation, supporting livelihoods, and advancing sustainable development in Kenya.

Efficacy of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Process on the Management of Selected Irrigation Schemes Funded by Baringo County Government, Kenya

Dorothy Jerop Chepkwony — 2025-10-09

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) plays a vital role in ensuring the sustainable implementation of irrigation schemes by identifying and mitigating potential environmental and social risks. This study assessed the efficacy of the EIA process in the management of selected irrigation schemes funded by the Baringo County Government, Kenya. A descriptive survey design was adopted, targeting 192 beneficiaries, 10 irrigation scheme managers, 4 county irrigation engineers, and 4 environmental experts. Data were collected through questionnaires and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics was used for quantitative analysis, while qualitative data were thematically analysed. The findings revealed that stakeholders perceived the EIA process as crucial for regulatory compliance, conflict resolution, and improved decision-making. The study concludes that strengthening the EIA process enhances sustainable irrigation outcomes and recommends stakeholder involvement and regulatory enforcement for improved effectiveness.

Wetland Conservation and Avitourism Development in Rwanda. A Case of Rugezi Swamp- Northern Province

Nzabandora Dominique — 2025-10-10

This study aimed to examine the role of wetland conservation in the development of avitourism in Rwanda, with Rugezi swamp as a study area. While the Rwandan Government is targeting to develop Avitourism at the same level as other forms of tourism, such as MICE and gorilla tourism, there is still a big problem of rapid loss and degradation of wetlands, the habitats of different aquatic animal species, including birds. Different wetland conservation strategies were undertaken, where, for example, all wetlands are under the management of the Rwandan Government through the Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA), but the problem still exists. The study specifically (1) examined the importance of wetland conservation in Rugezi Swamp, (2) the relationship between Avitourism and wetland conservation in Rwanda, (3) the main challenges facing wetland conservation to the development of Avitourism in Rugezi Swamp, and (4) the strategies to deal with those challenges. In addition to secondary data collected through literature review, primary data were gathered through surveying 50 RWCA marsh rangers and 6 executive secretaries of the six sectors adjacent to the swamp by means of questionnaires and interviews. The results indicated that the government’s wetland conservation strategies have played a big role in the development of Avitourism in Rugezi swamp, whereby there has been an increase in the amount of food for aquatic birds in that swamp, which hosts 43 bird species. Protected wetlands such as Rugezi swamp control floods and erosion, and they rejuvenate ecosystems, including bird species. Conservation of wetlands has resulted in the increase of different bird species, which attract more birders to Rugezi swamp. Furthermore, the development of Avi-tourism in Rwanda has influenced wetland conservation efforts and the improvement of the livelihood of the surrounding local communities. Concerning the challenges facing wetland conservation to the development of Avi-tourism in Rugezi swamp, human activities, natural disasters, lack of awareness on wetland conservation, topography, and communities’ lifestyles were highlighted as the major ones. The strategies to solve these challenges are: establishment of buffer zone areas, removing non-native and invasive species from the swamp, terracing, and preparing local communities for avitourism. It was concluded that wetland conservation has contributed more to the development of avitourism in Rugezi swamp. For maximum development of Avi-tourism and wetland conservation in Rwanda, REMA, RDB, RWCA, MINICOM, MINAGRI, PSF, and MINEDUC were recommended to cooperate in stimulating investments in the Avi-tourism sector and wetland projects, and also by educating all citizens about the Environmental Organic Law and the Land Law under which wetlands are managed.